Corentin Tolisso has expressed his deep disappointment at missing out on a place in Didier Deschamps' France squad for the 2026 World Cup despite enjoying his most productive season to date. The Lyon captain finds himself in the wilderness alongside several other high-profile stars as Les Bleus prepare to challenge for football's biggest prize this summer.
Brazil legend Cafu believes the Selecao have hindered their own pursuit of a sixth world title by placing an unfair burden of responsibility on Neymar for over a decade. The legendary full-back argued that the lack of a supporting cast around the Santos forward has been the primary reason for the nation’s 24-year trophy drought on the global stage.
Lamine Yamal is reportedly set to miss the start of Spain's World Cup campaign as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Barcelona superstar will definitely sit out the Euro 2024 winners' first group game in North America, and he is a major doubt for the second, with the Spain coaching staff taking cautious steps regarding his integration.
Reports have emerged from the eastern European country where the 28-year-old is based that claim the centre-back has been cut from the Mzansi national team coach’s plans, missing out on the World Cup squad. Despite being a consistent performer in recent seasons, the defender finds himself on the outside looking in as South Africa prepares for the global showpiece.
Fermin Lopez has seen his World Cup dreams go up in smoke after Barcelona confirmed the midfielder requires surgery on a fractured metatarsal. The 23-year-old was forced off during the Blaugrana's 3-1 La Liga victory over Real Betis, leaving Spain boss Luis de la Fuente with a major selection headache just days before naming his squad.
Neymar could not contain his emotions on Sunday as he broke down in tears during the Brazilian national anthem prior to Santos' Serie A clash with Coritiba. With the Selecao's 2026 World Cup squad announcement scheduled for Monday, the legendary forward appears fully aware of the stakes surrounding his potential inclusion.
Neymar has reiterated his burning desire to represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup as he faces a nervous wait for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad announcement. The Santos superstar also took time to explain the story behind an eye-catching yellow jacket he wore after his latest match, revealing it was a personal gift from Sir David Beckham's son Romeo.
Sekhukhune United forward Bradley Grobler is reportedly weighing up his future in professional football as persistent injury troubles take their toll. And, according to his father, he should not be in contention for a spot in Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana squad even if he was 100% fit.
A fan has his say! One sharp football mind delivers a masterclass in selection: A balanced, ruthless lineup built for 2026 dominance. You may not agree with every name, but you can’t ignore the logic.
USMNT center back Chris Richards, a presumptive starter at the World Cup, needed help walking off the field after Crystal Palace's match against Brentford on Sunday afternoon. Manager Oliver Glasner later confirmed that Richards sustained an ankle injury after colliding with Brentford striker Igor Thiago. Richards is expected to recover within a week.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed his belief that Luke Shaw deserves a place in Thomas Tuchel's final England squad for the 2026 World Cup. After overcoming severe injury struggles, the resilient left-back has been remarkably consistent, starting every Premier League match this season and proving his immense value for the Red Devils.
Lionel Messi might be entering the twilight of his legendary career, but the Inter Miami superstar has no intention of slowing down ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His club and international team-mate Rodrigo de Paul has revealed that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently undergoing a gruelling physical transformation to ensure he is in peak condition for Argentina's title defence.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has addressed the mounting speculation regarding Neymar’s place in the Selecao squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Italian tactician faces a monumental decision as the nation’s all-time record goalscorer battles for fitness ahead of the tournament's kick-off next month.
Amakhosi co-coach Cedric Kaze has thrown his weight behind his number one as the race for spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies. The shot-stopper has transformed his fortunes this season, emerging as one of the most consistent performers in the Betway Premiership after another Man of the Match display against AmaZulu.
Julian Nagelsmann has intentionally avoided clarifying the international future of Manuel Neuer ahead of Germany's World Cup squad announcement. Despite the veteran goalkeeper’s previous retirement, reports suggest a dramatic U-turn could see the Bayern Munich legend reclaim the number one shirt for the upcoming tournament in North America.
German football icons Lothar Matthaus, Didi Hamann, and Michael Ballack have weighed in on the polarising debate surrounding Manuel Neuer’s potential World Cup return. While Matthaus acknowledges Neuer is still the nation’s best, he labelled the lack of communication with current No. 1 Oliver Baumann a "slap in the face" as the countdown to Julian Nagelsmann’s final squad announcement on Thursday begins.
The iconic Manuel Neuer is set to pull on the Germany jersey once again after agreeing to come out of international retirement for the 2026 World Cup. Despite stepping away from the national team in 2024, the Bayern Munich veteran has been convinced by Julian Nagelsmann to reclaim his spot as the number one.
With Canada’s World Cup squad deadline looming, Jesse Marsch faces major decisions as injuries cloud the status of stars like Alphonso Davies and Moïse Bombito. GOAL breaks down the CanMNT roster by tiers, from locked-in starters such as Jonathan David and Stephen Eustàquio to bubble players battling for the final spots.
Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has seen his season and World Cup dreams come to an end after undergoing surgery on a persistent back injury. The Netherlands international, who has been sidelined since November, had recently returned to light training but has now been forced to go under the knife to resolve the issue.
Outspoken pundit Junior Khanye has launched a scathing attack on 'Master Chef', claiming the midfielder has failed to meet the expectations set for him at the Soweto club and suggested that the talented playmaker has been in physical decline over the course of the season, which has seen him marginalized at the Bucs coaching staff.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been informed of what needs to happen in order for him to become a Ballon d’Or contender in 2026, while Ruud Gullit has told GOAL why a ninth triumph for Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi cannot be ruled out. The title of best player on the planet will likely be bestowed upon a superstar performer that illuminates this summer’s World Cup.
Bafana Bafana star has become one of the most talked-about names in the market as the transfer window approaches. The talented winger is currently seeing his stock rise significantly following a productive spell in the Middle East.
As World Cup buzz builds, Hollister and Kappa are bringing soccer into youth fashion. GOAL spoke with Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Corey Robinson on the collab.
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